Towards the end of April, a 747-400ERF (35234) previously operated by ASL Airlines Belgium was ferried to Cargolux’s main hub in Luxembourg [FAT 004858]. Following paint and maintenance, the aircraft will be the first of three incoming freighters the carrier will add to its fleet this year. The aircraft was one of two -400ERFs earmarked for Cargolux’s fleet, which have been operated by ASL Airlines Belgium fleet on behalf of FedEx. The other aircraft (35232) is expected to follow shortly. According to FedEx’s most recent Stat Book, the leases on the two 747- 400Fs are scheduled to expire in 2019. Both units were originally delivered to TNT Airways in 2007, on lease from Guggenheim Aviation Partners. A source familiar with the aircraft told Cargo Facts that TNT later decided to purchase the leased aircraft. The pair of freighters then became the property of FedEx following its takeover of TNT, but now appear to have been sold. As for the carrier’s third 747-400ERF (35236), the freighter was originally delivered to TNT Airways in 2008, but for the majority of its commercial life until 2017, it has operated on behalf of Emirates. In 2017, Emirates opted not to renew its operational agreement with ASL, at which point Cargolux appears to have swooped in and purchased the aircraft from its owner. Since May 2018, Cargolux has continued to sublease the unit to ASL Airlines. Following the expiry of the lease – likely in the next month – Cargolux will bring the freighter back into its own fleet.
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